When I made the decision to move to the DFW area, I looked at joining practices in Dallas and Plano. McKinney was still considered “far out” then. But I decided to start my own practice here in McKinney, because I thought it was the perfect bedroom community where I could make the most contribution. So many women at the time were going to Dallas and Plano for their healthcare; I wanted to offer a state of the art option that concentrated on superior customer service right in their own backyard. Ever since I decided to be an OB/GYN, I knew that I wanted to have spa like practice where women could come and feel taken care of and pampered. I think I accomplished that with Adriatica Women’s Health.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To provide the best medical care to women by working as a team, striving to be our patients’ valued healthcare partners, delivering superior service and providing state-of-the-art OB/GYN care to promote healthy, happy families.

What services or products do you offer?

We are an all-women practice of physicians, midwives and nurse practitioners. We offer comprehensive women’s health services, from high risk obstetrical and preventative gynecological care, to advanced surgical treatment and minimally invasive procedures such a robotic hysterectomies. We also offer solutions to delicate issues such as incontinence and pain with relations.

What is unique about your business?

We are the only all women OB/GYN practice in this area. We offer physician and midwifery services. We have the philosophy that we are partners with our patients in their healthcare; we involve them and empower them to be active participants in their health.

How does your business give back to the community?

We take an active role in our community beyond the care we provide to our patient. We make it a priority to make a difference in the communities in which we live and work. We support the McKinney Education Foundation by sponsoring scholarships to graduating high school seniors (in the McKinney Independent School District) who are interested in a career in health or medicine. In addition, we make a donation for every baby we deliver to the foundation. Further, our doctors have served in various roles in our community. Dr. Banks and Dr. Kidd have served as board members for the McKinney Education Foundation. Dr. Banks is a Board trustee for Baylor Scott & White McKinney Hospital. Dr.Halderman is very active and a leader in her church- First Methodist of McKinney. Over the years, we have sponsored numerous charity events and organizations such as local high school teams, the Samaritan Inn, Hope’s Door, Lovelife Foundation, and the Alliance for a Brighter Community to name a few. We are also an annual sponsor for the Smiles for Habitat Charity Event which is hosted annually at the Adriatica Village and builds homes for deserving families. We also organize and host a week-long Holiday Bazaar benefitting local charity at our clinic every holiday season. People shop from vendors selling a wide variety of items ranging from home decor to women’s fashions, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to local charities. We are always willing to speak at churches and community events about health and wellness.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are today? (or: What challenges have you faced in running your business?)

When I first came to McKinney, it was hard to get other physicians to share call with me; that made it very difficult since I was a solo OB/GYN and mother of 2 small children. Challenges we face now are dealing with the ever changing insurance climate; insurance reimbursement continues to decline which causes us to have to work harder for less money. Of course, there is always the juggle of the work/life balance. When you are a business owner and mother, you have two “babies” that need your equal attention: your business & your family. When you devote too much time to one, the other one may suffer. It can be a challenge to balance the two.

What methods have you used to grow your business?

We try to stay involved in the community by living here and being an active participant in local events. I think it’s nice that on any given day, I might run into a family that I delivered while at Walmart or Tom Thumb. We lately have been doing blogs on social media and revamped our Facebook and internet presence. We also do health talks for churches and women’s organization. We also place ads in local magazines. We reach out to our referring physicians and make sure they are aware of our services.

What is the secret to keeping happy customers?

Outstanding customer service and showing that you care.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My father; my father has always been an entrepreneur and had many businesses throughout his career. He instilled in me that there is nothing I can’t do or accomplished.

We will probably add on another physician in a year or two. We have recently opened a part time satellite office in Prosper; we will probably expand our presence there. Personally, I am trying to grow my functional medicine practice that deals with lifestyle and nutrition.

To what do you attribute your success?

Besides hardwork, probably having genuine care and concern for my patients. I think my patients have confidence that I am going to so my very best for them.

What’s the best advice you would give someone thinking of starting their own small business?

There will be ups and downs, but the key to persevere. Everything usually works out and don’t give up.